Congratulations to Alejandra from a middle school in northern Utah. Alejandra is a first generation American who wants to get in touch with her roots and visit Mexico! This is a delightful essay. Alejandra, I genuinely hope one day you get to meet your Grandma!
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be the wonderful country of Mexico. My parents grew up in Mexico, but I've never seen it for myself. I have listened to stories about Mexico since I was little, and I would love to see what life was like for my parents when they were my age. Unfortunately Mexico is ages away and I don't want to be in a hot, stuffy van that smells like cheese for a few days.
I hear from friends who have been to Mexico that it is very tropical there. My mom has told me that close to where she lived there were a bunch of grapefruit trees, and when the fruit ripened all she had to do was reach out and grab a free snack. My mom loves grapefruit and her favorite drink is grapefruit soda. However, grapefruit is the last thing I would eat on a deserted island; I prefer oranges. If oranges were the last fruit on earth, you wouldn't hear me complain.
Many people grown their own food and raise their own animals in Mexico. I wouldn't mind working for my food, so long as it's fresh and tastes like Mexico. I love Mexican food, my mom cooks it everyday. My sister hates onions, so there isn't much she can eat without grimacing. My parents claim that if we ever have the opportunity to visit Mexico, I would enjoy the food, but my sister would suffer. I love tacos with lots of hot sauce. My sister would rather eat a raw onion that eat tacos with hot sauce.
I would like to visit Mexico because my parents say the sky shines with bright stars all year long, a treat that an astronomer can't see in the United States. Mexico also has beautiful sunsets. You have probably seen the beautiful lightening storms in Utah...well, our lightening storms are NOTHING like what they have in Mexico. Their storms are fiercer. In the winter it doesn't snow, it rains, and it rains hard. My mom says that when she was little she would play out in the rain, it was as warm as a sunny day.
Mexico has beautiful tropical forests to explore. I'd better bring some sunscreen lotion and insect repellent! I wouldn't want to get sunburned or bitten to death on my trip.
Mexico is notable because it is where the majority of my family lives. I would like to visit my grandparents. They live so far away I haven't had the chance to meet them yet, however they are really nice on the phone. I would also like to visit the rest of my family in Mexico. It is really hard to make a living in Mexico, so I'm glad I don't live there.
When arriving in Mexico, the first thing I would do is meet my relatives! I want to see my grandpa, and I want to see where my mom and dad lived when they were kids. I want to find out more about my ancestors (I suspect I'm part Aztec, part Mayan). The Aztec were complete savages, but I also want to find out of my family came from Spain, or if Aztec blood runs through my veins. I could also be party Mayan! My dad claims we are both, but I'd like to learn which part I am most of.
I hope one day I am able to visit Mexico to discover where I am from.
Alejandra, your parents should be very proud of you! The sacrifices they've made to make a better life for you are definitely paying off! Your essay was so well written, it was very entertaining and you have a cute sense of humor. I hope you enter the Kylie Klein Writing Competition again next year. Nice job!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
6th Grade 4th Place Winner - BYU
This essay by Aaron, a 6th grade student...and please keep in mind he is in 6th grade, from a middle school in northern Utah was one the most believable and entertaining essays I received. This kid, from the depth of his soul, wants to visit BYU so badly, I swear he is bleeding blue. If any of you know someone at BYU who could give this kid a tour, please email me, I am sure it would make his entire life. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading Aaron's essay as much as I did.
Provo, Heaven on Earth
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be Provo, Utah. I have been in love with Provo ever since 4th grade, mainly because of BYU. I love BYU more than practically anything. I have a shrine to them, I have a lot of their attire, and I would do anything to go there for college. I truly believe there is no greater University than the "Y". Some people call me obsessed, and I probably am, but BYU is on the top of every category there is. In fact, my favorite movie has Provo in it:
I would like to visit this place solely because of BYU. When I grow up, graduate from the "Y" and get married, I plan to live in Provo and become a basketball coach for the "Y" or a coach for a high school in the Provo-Orem area. I think Provo would be a good place for my kids to live, and for my family and I to support and donate to the "Y". Provo is truly Heaven on Earth. In all the places on the Earth, I do not think there is a more beautiful, safe and secure place than Provo. There are truly great people in Provo. And like former BYU football and NFL player Chad Lewis says, "Do everything to surround yourself with greatness." As long as I go to BYU, my life will be as close to perfect as you can get.
Provo was named after an early trapper, Etienne Provost. Provo was settled in 1849 by the Mormon pioneers. Provo is historically important or notable because the university in Provo was named after Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church who led the pioneers across the plains. Brigham Young was the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the on-again, off-again governor of the territory of Deseret, which would later be called Utah. Brigham Young was one of the greatest men ever to live on earth. He surrounded himself with greatness. Provo is surely worth a visit and tour to view some of its main attractions including: BYU, the Provo Tabernacle and the Utah County Building.
When arriving in Provo, the first thing I would do is introduce myself to Cecil O. Samuelson (President of BYU), Bronco Mendenhall (head football coach) and Dave Rose (head basketball coach) I would ask each man for his autograph and then ask for advice on how to become a great coach, leader and person. I would go to the BYU creamery, BYU bookstore and BYU library. I would have the best time of my life. I would go to every BYU athletic event. And on every Tuesday, I would attend the weekly BYU devotional at the Marriott Center. I would introduce myself to Jake Heaps (the next BYU quarterback destined for greatness) and the whole football, baseball and basketball teams.
There have been so many marvelous people from BYU who have surrounded themselves with greatness. One of my favorite BYU alumni is Danny Ainge. He was the starting point guard on arguable the best NBA team ever: the 1985-1986 Boston Celtics. He played in the NBA for twelve years and is now the General Manager for the Celtics. They won the NBA title two years ago. Danny is also the Bishop of his Boston ward. He has to be one of the busiest guys in the world! Yet his faith is unshaken and he has truly surrounded himself with greatness. He is the type of guy I want to be; he has achieved both on and off the court success. Danny grew up in Provo. Provo produces some of the most wonderful people and families. Danny is just one of many examples.
In the end, nobody beats Provo. It truly is Heaven on Earth.
Well Aaron, (Kylie here!) It sure sounds like you have a significant goal in mind. You are going to have to keep your grades up, so while it sounds like you LOVE sports, remember that BYU is first and foremost an academic institution, and they like their students to get A's. So stay in school, stay off drugs, and be sure to study hard. I look forward to hearing back from you when you get your BYU acceptance letter! Thanks again for a great essay. I look forward to reading your essay next year.
Provo, Heaven on Earth
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be Provo, Utah. I have been in love with Provo ever since 4th grade, mainly because of BYU. I love BYU more than practically anything. I have a shrine to them, I have a lot of their attire, and I would do anything to go there for college. I truly believe there is no greater University than the "Y". Some people call me obsessed, and I probably am, but BYU is on the top of every category there is. In fact, my favorite movie has Provo in it:
Sons of Provo. It is amazingly funny and there is nothing bad in it. I have been to Provo before, but I have never seen the BYU campus for myself.
I would like to visit this place solely because of BYU. When I grow up, graduate from the "Y" and get married, I plan to live in Provo and become a basketball coach for the "Y" or a coach for a high school in the Provo-Orem area. I think Provo would be a good place for my kids to live, and for my family and I to support and donate to the "Y". Provo is truly Heaven on Earth. In all the places on the Earth, I do not think there is a more beautiful, safe and secure place than Provo. There are truly great people in Provo. And like former BYU football and NFL player Chad Lewis says, "Do everything to surround yourself with greatness." As long as I go to BYU, my life will be as close to perfect as you can get.
Provo was named after an early trapper, Etienne Provost. Provo was settled in 1849 by the Mormon pioneers. Provo is historically important or notable because the university in Provo was named after Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church who led the pioneers across the plains. Brigham Young was the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the on-again, off-again governor of the territory of Deseret, which would later be called Utah. Brigham Young was one of the greatest men ever to live on earth. He surrounded himself with greatness. Provo is surely worth a visit and tour to view some of its main attractions including: BYU, the Provo Tabernacle and the Utah County Building.
When arriving in Provo, the first thing I would do is introduce myself to Cecil O. Samuelson (President of BYU), Bronco Mendenhall (head football coach) and Dave Rose (head basketball coach) I would ask each man for his autograph and then ask for advice on how to become a great coach, leader and person. I would go to the BYU creamery, BYU bookstore and BYU library. I would have the best time of my life. I would go to every BYU athletic event. And on every Tuesday, I would attend the weekly BYU devotional at the Marriott Center. I would introduce myself to Jake Heaps (the next BYU quarterback destined for greatness) and the whole football, baseball and basketball teams.
There have been so many marvelous people from BYU who have surrounded themselves with greatness. One of my favorite BYU alumni is Danny Ainge. He was the starting point guard on arguable the best NBA team ever: the 1985-1986 Boston Celtics. He played in the NBA for twelve years and is now the General Manager for the Celtics. They won the NBA title two years ago. Danny is also the Bishop of his Boston ward. He has to be one of the busiest guys in the world! Yet his faith is unshaken and he has truly surrounded himself with greatness. He is the type of guy I want to be; he has achieved both on and off the court success. Danny grew up in Provo. Provo produces some of the most wonderful people and families. Danny is just one of many examples.
In the end, nobody beats Provo. It truly is Heaven on Earth.
Well Aaron, (Kylie here!) It sure sounds like you have a significant goal in mind. You are going to have to keep your grades up, so while it sounds like you LOVE sports, remember that BYU is first and foremost an academic institution, and they like their students to get A's. So stay in school, stay off drugs, and be sure to study hard. I look forward to hearing back from you when you get your BYU acceptance letter! Thanks again for a great essay. I look forward to reading your essay next year.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
6th Grade 3rd Place Winner
Our 3rd place winner is Amanda. She is from a small Middle School in Southern Utah. Her essay titled, "Anyone Need Help Out There?" is a gem. It is touching and heartfelt I hope you take a moment to read it! Congratulations Amanda, I hope one day you make it to Guatemala!
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be the miniature country Guatemala, it's located right under Mexico. I know a lot about Guatemala, and I think it would be alright if I visited there. Guatemala sounds like a gorgeous country with many kind people. It would be a magnificent opportunity for me to get to leave the United States and explore a small portion of this immense world. My mom and dad have been to Guatemala, and I hear it is a wonderful place to visit. There is one problem with Guatemala; I will have to be extremely cautious about everything. There are a lot of people who aren't very ethical down there. Most of them are so awful that there are armed guards outside every store, even a store as simple as Subway.
(Kylie here! Amanda, you will find that crime is high in most third world countries, and there are guards outside most stores. It is unfortunate, but it does keep businesses, tourists and residents a little safer! We have a similar thing here in America, have you ever notice how every business...and some street corners....have cameras watching our every move? Our technology is a little more advanced, but the concept is the same....)
I would like to visit Guatemala because there are many amazing sites to see. I also want to learn a new language and in Guatemala the people speak Spanish, so I would have to learn Spanish before I could go. I would like to save up enough money to start my own company to send money down to the not-so-fortunate people. If I couldn't send money, then I would at least send food, clothing, pets, shoes, house supplies and I would send builders to build homes for the less fortunate people.
In Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, there are many things to do for fun, such as go to museums, Tikal National Park, visit zoos, theaters, church ruins, the Antigua Bridge and many other sites.
When arriving in Guatemala, the first thing I would do is gaze around at the terrific, warm scenery. I would head straight to get a room at a casino in Guatemala City. After arriving in my room, I would unpack my belongings and rest for an hour or so after spending all day on a stuffy airplane. Joyfully, I would catch a tour bus to go visit all of the beautiful site that are around Guatemala.
I would visit the ancient Mayan ruins on Tikal. Tikal is a beautiful place, and I have always looked forward to going there. Tikal is made up of an old temple and other buildings made from stone. The buildings are extremely tall and massive. My parents were going to go to Tikal, but they were robbed. Then they didn't have enough money to go there anymore.
I would then go and find some of the families that my parents met, and talk to them about their visit. I would help and care for those people first, and then I would go and assist the less fortunate. For dinner that night I would eat a nice meal that included fried bananas and rest my head for a good night's sleep.
At some point in my visit, I would meet the young lady that liked my Uncle Justin. I would have to break the sad news to her that he was killed in a car accident in 2009. He rolled his truck down a steep mountain and was killed. Justin was in his thirties and had three young kids, his oldest was four. He went on an LDS mission to Guatemala. Justin was a good father, uncle, husband, brother, son and grandson. We all love and miss him just as much as she, his friend from Guatemala, will miss him too.
I will be very gloomy when it comes time for me to travel home. Before I leave, I will visit all of the families that Justin taught and see what they have to say about Justin that I don't know.
When I arrive home from my long flight, I will go to Justin's wife, Tacy, and tell her all of the stories I heard about Justin from the people he knew in Guatemala.
I am so obliged that we have all of the many places around the world to explore. I love adventure and I love helping people. If I ever end up with a company to help struggling countries, it will primarily be for Guatemala, in memory of Justin, but I would also love to help others across the world. I would send help to Guatemala, Haiti, Chili, and any other country that needs help.
I look forward to one day visiting Guatemala.
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be the miniature country Guatemala, it's located right under Mexico. I know a lot about Guatemala, and I think it would be alright if I visited there. Guatemala sounds like a gorgeous country with many kind people. It would be a magnificent opportunity for me to get to leave the United States and explore a small portion of this immense world. My mom and dad have been to Guatemala, and I hear it is a wonderful place to visit. There is one problem with Guatemala; I will have to be extremely cautious about everything. There are a lot of people who aren't very ethical down there. Most of them are so awful that there are armed guards outside every store, even a store as simple as Subway.
(Kylie here! Amanda, you will find that crime is high in most third world countries, and there are guards outside most stores. It is unfortunate, but it does keep businesses, tourists and residents a little safer! We have a similar thing here in America, have you ever notice how every business...and some street corners....have cameras watching our every move? Our technology is a little more advanced, but the concept is the same....)
I would like to visit Guatemala because there are many amazing sites to see. I also want to learn a new language and in Guatemala the people speak Spanish, so I would have to learn Spanish before I could go. I would like to save up enough money to start my own company to send money down to the not-so-fortunate people. If I couldn't send money, then I would at least send food, clothing, pets, shoes, house supplies and I would send builders to build homes for the less fortunate people.
In Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, there are many things to do for fun, such as go to museums, Tikal National Park, visit zoos, theaters, church ruins, the Antigua Bridge and many other sites.
When arriving in Guatemala, the first thing I would do is gaze around at the terrific, warm scenery. I would head straight to get a room at a casino in Guatemala City. After arriving in my room, I would unpack my belongings and rest for an hour or so after spending all day on a stuffy airplane. Joyfully, I would catch a tour bus to go visit all of the beautiful site that are around Guatemala.
I would visit the ancient Mayan ruins on Tikal. Tikal is a beautiful place, and I have always looked forward to going there. Tikal is made up of an old temple and other buildings made from stone. The buildings are extremely tall and massive. My parents were going to go to Tikal, but they were robbed. Then they didn't have enough money to go there anymore.
I would then go and find some of the families that my parents met, and talk to them about their visit. I would help and care for those people first, and then I would go and assist the less fortunate. For dinner that night I would eat a nice meal that included fried bananas and rest my head for a good night's sleep.
At some point in my visit, I would meet the young lady that liked my Uncle Justin. I would have to break the sad news to her that he was killed in a car accident in 2009. He rolled his truck down a steep mountain and was killed. Justin was in his thirties and had three young kids, his oldest was four. He went on an LDS mission to Guatemala. Justin was a good father, uncle, husband, brother, son and grandson. We all love and miss him just as much as she, his friend from Guatemala, will miss him too.
I will be very gloomy when it comes time for me to travel home. Before I leave, I will visit all of the families that Justin taught and see what they have to say about Justin that I don't know.
When I arrive home from my long flight, I will go to Justin's wife, Tacy, and tell her all of the stories I heard about Justin from the people he knew in Guatemala.
I am so obliged that we have all of the many places around the world to explore. I love adventure and I love helping people. If I ever end up with a company to help struggling countries, it will primarily be for Guatemala, in memory of Justin, but I would also love to help others across the world. I would send help to Guatemala, Haiti, Chili, and any other country that needs help.
I look forward to one day visiting Guatemala.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
6th Grade Second Place - New York
The Kylie Klein 2nd Place Winner for 6th Grade is Riley, from a middle school in northern Utah. Congratulations Riley, for a well-written essay!
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be New York City. I do believe I've fallen in love with 'The City so Nice, you Name it Twice', even though all I've seen of it has been through movies and Google Maps, and of course, all the classic songs.
I would like to visit New York City because of, namely, Saturday Night Live. One day I hope to be one of the writers behind the show. I also love the New York attitude. In the small town where I live, nearly everyone is the same. Frankly, the thought of a bustling city where everyone minds their own business and you could meet your soul mate, your killer, or your idol on any given day, gives me excited goose bumps. New York, a city of beautiful lights, where there is always somewhere you can go (and you can get there quick, even without a car) and something you can do, comes up constantly in my dreams. Moreover, a city that Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra considered great enough to sing about HAS to be good.
New York is historically important or notable because, well, firstly, it invented toilet paper. Can you imagine a world without toilet paper? (Don't answer that.) Joseph C. Gayetty invented it in 1857, and he had his name printed on every sheet. Franklin Roosevelt, the only president to be elected four terms, was from New York City (I could meet a future president on the subway!). The Empire State Building has 73 elevators, and one can take you to the 80th floor in 45 seconds. What else...Saturday Night Live...oh, this is cool, the first mini-golf game ever played was on tip of a skyscraper in New York City in 1926. The first baseball game ever played was pretty close to New York City, in Hoboken.
When arriving in New York City, the first thing I would do is catch a subway to Times Square, where I'd buy a long, dreary trench coat. Then, blending in with the natives, I'd proceed to catch a taxi cab with a perfect whistle (I'm still working on it!) to 30 Rockefeller Plaza. I would spend a few minutes staring at the building. If it were winter, I would ice skate or admire the gorgeous Christmas tree, and of course, take tons of pictures. I would take one of the tours, no matter what the season, making sure to check out the gardens in autumn, spring or summer. I would go to the top of the building and take pictures like the nerdy tourist I am with or without my black trench coat. I would run through the halls of the NBC studios like a little kid, my trench coat flying behind me.
Then I'd buy a ticket for the taping of Saturday Night Live. I would stay all night to see the show. After, I would walk outside a take a deep breath. Then I'd go back inside to see if I could find Lorne Michaels. If I met Lorne Michaels, it would be the best night of my life. Extra points if I got to meet any SNL actors. I would talk with the pages until I was kicked out! But I wouldn't go to sleep yet, no sir! I'm in the city that never sleeps, darn it! I would stay up all night, walking around town and saying "Hi!" to my future husband/killer/idol. I would find a karaoke club where I would make a fool of myself singing along to Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York." I'd go to Central Park and watch the sun rise from a skyline. I'd walk across the street and buy a hot dog from a street vendor for breakfast. Yummy! Then I would empty my purse in my hotel room and walk along Times Square. If my bag is stolen, my day would be complete! I would go mini-golfing, watch "King Kong," throw stones into every river I came across, watch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, see Madison Square Gardens, buy thirteen rolls of toilet paper (in honor of Mr. Gayetty), and read the New York Times fresh from the newsstand. I would go for a boat tour of Ellis Island, and go to the top of beautiful Miz Liberty. I would ride every single elevator in the Empire State Building, timing them all. If I were fortunate enough to visit during Thanksgiving, I would absolutely have to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! I would catch a taxi to Broadway and see as many shows as I could. I would visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I would go shopping! I would visit the Ground Zero Museum and reflect on the awful tragedy that struck New York City on a few years ago. I would visit the New York Stock Exchange and Niagara Falls. I would make sure to walk through more than one alley. I would have a New York style pizza and make sure to visit the other boroughs while I'm at it. Late at night, I would go see one of the many late night shows; Letterman, Leno, O'Brien, Fallon, Kimmel or whoever happens to be the rage when I'm an adult.
(Note from Kylie: Niagara Falls, while beautiful, is in Albany, New York about 400 miles from New York City. The falls are prettier from the Canadian side, so go to Toronto to see them, or cross the border. Also, Jay Leno is filmed in Burbank, California, Jimmy Kimmel is filmed in Hollywood, California. Most late night comedy shows are filmed during the day, with the exception of SNL, which I believe is still filmed at night!)
And then in the middle of Times Square I would stop.
And stand.
And breathe.
I would look at the lights and allow a dreamy feeling to overtake me. I would look at the horizon. I would look at the people. I would smell all the scents, good and bad, and listen to the sounds, be it cabbies swearing at one another, or vendors calling out their wares, or children crying or people singing. I would take a picture of the sky and whisper:
"I love New York!"
Then I would start singing as loudly as possible. No one would even look at me because we're New Yorkers, and we mind our own darn business. (That's simply my own explanation, I'm sure they would think I was just another one of those weird tourists, intoxicated with the beauty of New York.)
Finally, exhausted, I would go back to my hotel and crash on my bed. The next morning I would find myself an apartment so I could stay in New York for my whole life. There is just too much to see and do for one day, heck, for one lifetime.
But I'm going to try.
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be New York City. I do believe I've fallen in love with 'The City so Nice, you Name it Twice', even though all I've seen of it has been through movies and Google Maps, and of course, all the classic songs.
I would like to visit New York City because of, namely, Saturday Night Live. One day I hope to be one of the writers behind the show. I also love the New York attitude. In the small town where I live, nearly everyone is the same. Frankly, the thought of a bustling city where everyone minds their own business and you could meet your soul mate, your killer, or your idol on any given day, gives me excited goose bumps. New York, a city of beautiful lights, where there is always somewhere you can go (and you can get there quick, even without a car) and something you can do, comes up constantly in my dreams. Moreover, a city that Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra considered great enough to sing about HAS to be good.
New York is historically important or notable because, well, firstly, it invented toilet paper. Can you imagine a world without toilet paper? (Don't answer that.) Joseph C. Gayetty invented it in 1857, and he had his name printed on every sheet. Franklin Roosevelt, the only president to be elected four terms, was from New York City (I could meet a future president on the subway!). The Empire State Building has 73 elevators, and one can take you to the 80th floor in 45 seconds. What else...Saturday Night Live...oh, this is cool, the first mini-golf game ever played was on tip of a skyscraper in New York City in 1926. The first baseball game ever played was pretty close to New York City, in Hoboken.
When arriving in New York City, the first thing I would do is catch a subway to Times Square, where I'd buy a long, dreary trench coat. Then, blending in with the natives, I'd proceed to catch a taxi cab with a perfect whistle (I'm still working on it!) to 30 Rockefeller Plaza. I would spend a few minutes staring at the building. If it were winter, I would ice skate or admire the gorgeous Christmas tree, and of course, take tons of pictures. I would take one of the tours, no matter what the season, making sure to check out the gardens in autumn, spring or summer. I would go to the top of the building and take pictures like the nerdy tourist I am with or without my black trench coat. I would run through the halls of the NBC studios like a little kid, my trench coat flying behind me.
Then I'd buy a ticket for the taping of Saturday Night Live. I would stay all night to see the show. After, I would walk outside a take a deep breath. Then I'd go back inside to see if I could find Lorne Michaels. If I met Lorne Michaels, it would be the best night of my life. Extra points if I got to meet any SNL actors. I would talk with the pages until I was kicked out! But I wouldn't go to sleep yet, no sir! I'm in the city that never sleeps, darn it! I would stay up all night, walking around town and saying "Hi!" to my future husband/killer/idol. I would find a karaoke club where I would make a fool of myself singing along to Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York." I'd go to Central Park and watch the sun rise from a skyline. I'd walk across the street and buy a hot dog from a street vendor for breakfast. Yummy! Then I would empty my purse in my hotel room and walk along Times Square. If my bag is stolen, my day would be complete! I would go mini-golfing, watch "King Kong," throw stones into every river I came across, watch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, see Madison Square Gardens, buy thirteen rolls of toilet paper (in honor of Mr. Gayetty), and read the New York Times fresh from the newsstand. I would go for a boat tour of Ellis Island, and go to the top of beautiful Miz Liberty. I would ride every single elevator in the Empire State Building, timing them all. If I were fortunate enough to visit during Thanksgiving, I would absolutely have to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! I would catch a taxi to Broadway and see as many shows as I could. I would visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I would go shopping! I would visit the Ground Zero Museum and reflect on the awful tragedy that struck New York City on a few years ago. I would visit the New York Stock Exchange and Niagara Falls. I would make sure to walk through more than one alley. I would have a New York style pizza and make sure to visit the other boroughs while I'm at it. Late at night, I would go see one of the many late night shows; Letterman, Leno, O'Brien, Fallon, Kimmel or whoever happens to be the rage when I'm an adult.
(Note from Kylie: Niagara Falls, while beautiful, is in Albany, New York about 400 miles from New York City. The falls are prettier from the Canadian side, so go to Toronto to see them, or cross the border. Also, Jay Leno is filmed in Burbank, California, Jimmy Kimmel is filmed in Hollywood, California. Most late night comedy shows are filmed during the day, with the exception of SNL, which I believe is still filmed at night!)
And then in the middle of Times Square I would stop.
And stand.
And breathe.
I would look at the lights and allow a dreamy feeling to overtake me. I would look at the horizon. I would look at the people. I would smell all the scents, good and bad, and listen to the sounds, be it cabbies swearing at one another, or vendors calling out their wares, or children crying or people singing. I would take a picture of the sky and whisper:
"I love New York!"
Then I would start singing as loudly as possible. No one would even look at me because we're New Yorkers, and we mind our own darn business. (That's simply my own explanation, I'm sure they would think I was just another one of those weird tourists, intoxicated with the beauty of New York.)
Finally, exhausted, I would go back to my hotel and crash on my bed. The next morning I would find myself an apartment so I could stay in New York for my whole life. There is just too much to see and do for one day, heck, for one lifetime.
But I'm going to try.
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